Dear CC,
So currently, I’ve been offered admission to both UVa and UMD (also UCLA and UCSD but… cost). My intended field of study is Bioinformatics or computational bio, which means that I’ll probably dual major in Biology and Computer Science. I have been offered College Park Scholars for UMD, and Echols with College Science Scholars over at UVa. Maryland is in state for me, but it isn’t too big a factor, and my family is willing to move to Virginia if UVa’s programs are better.
I had the same choices you did (I was admitted as an Echols scholar with Poli Sci and Economics at UVa) and chose UMD. I made the right decision. It’s difficult to establish residency for in state tuition in VA, and both schools are extremely similar in culture and fit.
For computer science, UMD’s program’ll get you wherever you want to go–coming here won’t close any doors. You want to work at Google? You can. Microsoft? You can. All of the end results from UVa are the same as you’d get from UMD, only for a fraction of the cost (200k vs <80k). Additionally, the CEO of Oculus VR is a UMD alum and donated $31 million (IIRC) to making a brand new comp sci “maker space”–pretty much a chill place to code.
When people like Brendan Iribe come to UMD, they’re very accessible. I met the guy and had a nice conversation with him, which was cool. Also, we have a great relationship with the federal government and more connections there than you’d find at UVa.
I don’t regret picking UMD over UVa (Echols)/Carnegie Mellon/Chapel Hill (Honors), and I don’t think you would either.
You sound like a dual major person then. Did you ever take Scholars or Honors? And was taking the dual major easy? One of the really tempting offers from UVA is how easy dual majoring looks to be.
@EIPsyCongroo That I am! Dual degree in Political Science (BA) and Economics (BA). It’s EXTREMELY easy. Advisors are willing to work with you, and adding on the second major is as simple as turning in a piece of paper.
I’m in the honors college, but I know a bunch of people in scholars who all love it.
I’m kinda miffed that I wasn’t invited to honors… will I miss out on much?
@EIPsyCongroo Absolutely not. Don’t be miffed either; scholars and honors look for two different things. If I could do it over again, I’d probably rather be in scholars given all the cool stuff you guys do outside of the classroom (trips to embassies [International Studies], carnivals [Arts], etc. etc.). Scholars looks for the kids that have good grades and outstanding EC’s, and honors looks for the kids with outstanding grades and good EC’s.
If they looked at your application and thought (even though your grades are stellar) you’d be a perfect fit for a scholars program, they’d probably put you in scholars over honors. Worst case scenario, if you hate scholars and want to try honors, you can join either after a semester or after a year. Overall, departmental honors is what matters most–way more than the honors citation (I’m in departmental honors for Poli Sci, and am considering joining for Economics).
Alright thanks! If I can find a direct counter for UVA’s college science scholars or I’m not impressed too much by talking to Echols people, I’ll join you in the land of College Park.
Unfortunately (for UMD), UVA’s programs were super-convincing. They have better opportunities in general I think but the advising is nonexistant. On the other hand UMD seems to have stronger compsci and the advising is super-solid.
Decisions…